Walnut looks at village work, equipment

WALNUT — Village work and equipment were discussed at the Walnut Village Board meeting on Monday.

Village Superintendent Carl Minks told the board the condition of the village’s backhoe is in need of extensive and expensive repairs. Considering the age of the backhoe, he is proposing the village investigate the purchase of a new backhoe or at least a used one that is newer than the one the village currently owns.

The board asked Minks to gather information about different options and bring what he finds back to the board for further consideration.

Minks also proposed some needed concrete work. After discussion and review, the board agreed to have AAA Concrete of Rock Falls replace 83 feet of bridge curbing and also replace several sections of sidewalk that are in disrepair and creating a hazard for pedestrians. These repairs will be performed in the coming months, and Minks assured the board it would be accomplished prior to the village’s Fourth of July celebration.

Also at Monday’s meeting, village resident Tammy Chamberlain requesting she be allowed to organize and facilitate a 5K run/walk to benefit fellow Walnut resident, Jessie Wallace-Sergeant, who has always been an avid runner and is currently struggling with medical problems. Wallace-Sergeant will be having some upcoming surgery that could preclude her from running in the future.

Chamberlain said the 5K run/walk would be held on at 9 a.m. June 1 and would follow the same route used for the Walnut 5K Run held in conjunction with the Fourth of July celebration. The board unanimously approved the event and suggested to Chamberlain she be in contact with the Walnut Fire Department, police chief and park district as her plans progress. Those agencies will be assisting her with traffic control and course layout. The board wished Chamberlain much success with this charitable effort to assist Wallace-Sergeant with her ongoing medical bills.

Another village resident spoke at the meeting regarding animal control in the village. She has encountered several incidences recently of dogs running loose in town. The resident has personally contacted the Bureau County Animal Control asking if they can help with this situation, however, Bureau County Animal Control currently does not have a contract with Walnut to help with this type of problem. The board voted to contact Scott Robbins at this agency and ask him to attend a future board meeting to discuss what his agency could do to help with animal control within the village.

Also, village President Bob Brasen reported he has received a letter of resignation from village board member Terry Glaudel. Glaudel’s seat on the board will be filled by appointment at a future date.

The board then adjourned to closed session to continue discussion of employment matters.